I’ve refinished many pieces of furniture in my day, and typically used what i had on hand, various brands and types of paint, and often cheap brushes and minimal supplies. Eventually i accumulated enough materials over time from left over jobs, and i tried to use up my material with free or near free pieces that i could still enjoy my creative side, and make a few bucks along the way. In walks the fun table below. A friend of mine introduced me to Fusion Mineral Paint, and I’ve been hooked ever since. The great thing about this product is that it is safe to use indoors, which makes it a popular choice for home projects because it is a 100% non-toxic, water-based, low-odor, low-VOC formula that is lead, formaldehyde, and ammonia-free. As a parent, i want to keep the air clean, but also be able to start and stop projects as needed to keep up with the demands of life. The product offers easy clean up (kitchen sink) and since it is safe to use inside, its great for anyone with a small space and no set work space for projects.
I found this traditional style table online, and started negotiating the price. Once we agreed on price and i picked it up, immediately, i was met with the stench of cigarette smoke that was deeply imbedded into this piece that had so much more life in my mind. The burn into the leather top, almost seemed to amplify the smell and confirmed what my nose could not ignore. Luckily, i was using left over materials to do this project, and i knew i had left over sealant to kill the smell.
Once home, i scrubbed and cleaned a few times over using a grim cutter. It was finally ready to come inside and get a quick coat of primer sealant to kill the odor as soon as possible. I got to work taking it apart which wasn’t necessary, but i had the space and wanted to cover every square inch to make sure it looked great at any angle.
After a few quick coats over the next few days, i waited the recommended curing time for the paint i had left over from a previous project, before applying a wax coat to maintain a flat finish and durable protection. while the wax cured, I shifted gears to the old hardware that had years and years of dirt and grime discolor them. I decided to try a hack I found online using ketchup, and thought this was the best time to try it, aiming not to spend any money. I was absolutely shocked the following day when i discovered a beautiful brass finish underneath.
I gave this particular piece plenty of time to cure, since it is a table and will take a fair bit of abuse to the top. Once cured, the fun part of staging and styling the piece, to then be ready for photographs and posted for sale. This piece brought so much excitement with a splash of color, and finally had a new lease on life, just like i imagined it. Not long after, this piece found its new home, and with extra dollars in my pocket, to take on the next thing I stumble on that I cannot resist.
DIY Home Staging 